A GANG OF SWINDLERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXV, Issue 7792, 24 February 1886, Page 2

A GANG OF SWINDLERS.

[Peb Peebs Association.J WELLINGTON, Jan. 26. , A gang of magsmen a,nd convicted thieves, who recently visited Auckland from Sydney, have lately been “ doing” Wellington. It appears that Detective Toohy warned them that they would have to quit Auckland at once, and he so worked upon their fears that they immediately took ship in the s.s. Oreti at Onehunga, for Wanganui, booking themselves as a company of performing athletes. They evidently regarded Wanganui as an unlikely field for their operations, as they left that place on the morning following their arrival, by train for Poxton, where they attended the races, which were held last week. Their paraphernalia was most elaborate, and included tents and poles, roulette table, trick match-boxes, and other articles required for carrying on systematic swindling on a racecourse, &c. Nemesis, in the persons of the police, followed the unhallowed party from Auckland, and at Poxton they were warned to desist from playing by Constable M'Naughty, who was successful in moving them onto Wellington, where they arrived on Saturday morning last. They lost no time in town, but proceeded straight to the Island Bay racecourse, where they made about .£SO at the “three-card” trick before the police were on the ground. Prom one man they won .£6 in as many minutes, and this innocent it was who laid the detectives on to the gang, members of which, disliking the presence of their natural enemies (the police), made for town. After the first race they were tracked to an hotel in the city, the proprietor of which was made acquainted with the characterof his guests, who were warned they would be locked up under the Vagrant Act if they did not engage in honest pursuits or clear out. One of the party took the hint, and yesterday left for Wairarapa, and the remainder intimate their intention of proceeding either south or to the west coast of the Middle Island by the first steamer. A second contingent of these questionable persons is expected to arrive from Sydney direct, either tc-day or to-, morrow. The police are on the alert for them.